Merton J. Hershberger's Page

For Muslims in the region most of the very basics of Christianity are a struggle to accept and contrary to their view of God. To think of God as Father is really difficult. The concept of the Trinity is a big obstacle as well. It is believed God does not share his deity with another, so it is hard for them to accept Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Another difficulty is the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. It is believed that if Christ was God, then he would never have had to die on a cross set…See More

During the Christmas season, many believers throughout the Arabian Peninsula host parties, gatherings, and events to share the true meaning of Christ's birth to their Muslim friends. It is also a time when many Muslims have opportunity to ask questions about Jesus if they are seeking and encounter the Christmas story on social media. Let's pray for boldness, discernment, and wisdom as believers invite their Muslim friends to celebrate Christmas together and share the Christmas account. Let's…See More

Bahrain National Day - December 161. Praise God for a handful of new contacts in recent months, local believers and those who are interested in reading the Bible. Also, praise God for increased and extended prayer for Bahrain which has brought about new interest in knowing more about Jesus.2. There is a causeway between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia where Saudis can drive to Bahrain which they do on weekends. Pray that many Saudis will hear the gospel in Bahrain where there is more freedom to do…See More

Dave learned that his national friend, Adam, had become a believer about two years ago. Adam was disillusioned with Islam while still a teenager and started investigating religions. He found Jesus and the Bible to be historically valid, unlike the others. Dave heard him tell of faith in Jesus alone for salvation, and of several others in his prominent bedouin tribe who had also believed in Jesus. Pray for their growth both individually, and that their faith would spread to others.See More

Ali calls himself an agnostic, but enjoys speaking with Christians aboutmatters of faith. Pray that he will be vulnerable to recognize his ownneed of a Savior, and that God's Spirit will give him grace to believe.Pray for a new believer who is seeking work. Living at the mercy of her family's generosity is very difficult. Pray that she will be encouraged and grow in her trust of her Lord during this trying time of waiting for provision. Ask that she will be a light in her family and they will…See More

As the rain and the snowcome down from heaven,and do not return to itwithout watering the earthand making it bud and flourish,so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,so is my word that goes out from my mouth:It will not return to me empty,but will accomplish what I desireand achieve the purpose for which I sent it.You will go out in joyand be led forth in peace;the mountains and hillswill burst into song before you,and all the trees of the fieldwill clap their hands.Instead…See More

September 23 is Saudi Arabia's National Day and so let's focus our prayers on Saudi Arabia today.  Here are some current requests from people in the country:Social media is growing and the potential to connect with seekers is growing.  Please pray for media teams that are using social media to reach the lost and bring them into discipling relationships. Please pray for Filipinos in country to mobilize and prepare their people in country to reach out to locals.  We have seen great movement…See More

"Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down!How the mountains would quake in your presence!As fire causes wood to burnand water to boil,your coming would make the nations tremble.Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame!"Isaiah 64:1-2Call on the Lord to come down, burst out of heaven and come to the Arabian Gulf people. Ask Him that the rocks and mountains desert in the Arabian Peninsula would tremble at His presence, filling the land. As a spark sets twigs on fire…See More

HAJJ PRAYER 2018Dear Friend of the Arabian Peninsula,On 19-21 August 2018, PTAP (Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula) is asking for 100,000 people from around the world to join us in Prayer & Fasting for the two million Muslims going on the Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. These are required acts of service for all Muslims (conditions apply to those that are impoverished or in poor health). The city of Mecca is the center of the entire…See More

HAJJ PRAYER 2018Dear Friend of the Arabian Peninsula,On 19-21 August 2018, PTAP (Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula) is asking for 100,000 people from around the world to join us in Prayer & Fasting for the two million Muslims going on the Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. These are required acts of service for all Muslims (conditions apply to those that are impoverished or in poor health). The city of Mecca is the center of the entire…See More

Prayer Requests - August 5, 2018HAJJ PRAYER 2018 On 19-21 August 2018, PTAP is asking for 100,000 people from around the world to join us in Prayer and Fasting for the two million Muslims going on the Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj is one of the five required acts of service for all Muslims. The city of Mecca is the center of the entire Muslim world.  It is the place where the Hajj is performed and the place to where a Muslim directs his daily prayers.  Therefore, there are many…See More

In the Arab Gulf, fruitful conversations are continuing to take place. A Christian professor was surprised to see Alex (pseudonym)'s Instagram post from in stylish script, with a tiny reference to Matt. 19.  The professor wrote to ask, "Do you know the source of your quote?" Alex answered, "Umm. No." This exchange later led to a private explanation of the gospel, and Alex was delighted to take an Arabic New Testament home.  Pray for his salvation and growth.Pray the prayer of Samuel Zwemer over…See More

Prayer Requests - June 17, 2018 Dylan (pseudonym) asked when the "night of power," a particular night at the end of Ramadan in which it is thought more clout is earned with Allah for praying through the night, was to a few young Gulf men. This question led to a sharing of thought in which three young Gulf men heard about the grace that comes through Jesus apart from works. Please pray that the discussion will continue and that these young men will turn their hearts to Him.An indigenous family…See More

Prayer Requests - June 17, 2018 Dylan (pseudonym) asked when the "night of power," a particular night at the end of Ramadan in which it is thought more clout is earned with Allah for praying through the night, was to a few young Gulf men. This question led to a sharing of thought in which three young Gulf men heard about the grace that comes through Jesus apart from works. Please pray that the discussion will continue and that these young men will turn their hearts to Him.An indigenous family…See More